With updates from Legacy Schools and Legacy Spaces, the launch of the Gaagaagi (Raven) Monthly Donor Program, and an important update on residential school recovery efforts, there is plenty to catch up on. Take a look below for more details and be sure to stay tuned for more information about Indigenous History Month coming up in June.
From hosting in-person events for our Legacy Schools to attending conferences, it’s been a busy month for DWF’s education team!
Thank you to Central Peel Secondary School (shown above) who invited us to participate in Performing Arts Brampton Education Day with Twin Flames. The students did an amazing job letting other schools know about the importance of reconciliation and sharing information about the Legacy Schools program.
The site of the former Blue Quills Indian Residential School, St. Paul, AB.
For the last 8 months, DWF Manager of ReconciliACTIONs, Joel Cardinal, has been supporting the search for unmarked burial sites at Blue Quills Indian Residential School.
The search for unmarked burial sites began at Blue Quills IRS in August 2022. Located near the town of St. Paul, Alberta, Blue Quills IRS was in operation at that location since 1931. Phase 1 of the search used ground penetrating radar to search 1.3 acres of the 250-acre site. In the 1.3-acre section searched, they found 19 ‘reflections of interest’ or potential unmarked burial sites.
More detailed information about Joel’s experience at Blue Quills will be shared in the upcoming 215+ newsletter in May. To receive information on recovery efforts and important reconciliation news take the 215+ Pledge.
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We are excited to share the launch of our Gaagaagi (Raven) Monthly Donor Program! We all have an animal that greets us when we are born – the raven was Chanie’s animal. Ravens symbolize transformation and change. Our generous monthly donors bring forward change in Canada by providing stable funding as we work together to build a path toward reconciliation.
By joining the Gaagaagi (Raven) Monthly Donor Program, you will receive quarterly updates on the impact of your donations, invitations to exclusive events, and a consolidated tax receipt for the combined total of your annual gifts.
| JOIN THE GAAGAAGI (RAVEN) MONTHLY DONOR PROGRAM |
Your donation contributes to reconciliation in Canada and supports the development of resources for DWF programs. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for eligible gifts.
The latest Rogers Legacy Space features artwork by local Kanyen’kehà:ka (Mohawk) artists.
On May 5, Rogers Communications introduced their third Legacy Space inside their Montreal office. In addition to their Legacy Spaces in Toronto and Kelowna, this milestone is an example of Rogers’ commitment to leveraging their spaces and media assets to amplify Indigenous voices and empower Indigenous employees. They were joined by DWF President & CEO, Sarah Midanik, the Downie Family, and Artist Ambassador Tom Wilson, who contributed original paintings. Miigwetch for your continued support!
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre was the first public events venue to join the Legacy Spaces program in 2018.
Last week, our Legacy Spaces partners at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC) hosted a full day of professional development for their employees and educators from the surrounding region led by DWF staff. In the morning, 36 educators participated in a session titled, Reconciliation in the Classroom, which focused on the Legacy Schools program and how to incorporate the unique interests, rights, and perspectives of Indigenous people into everyday learning.
In the afternoon, 35 employees from local organizations took part in an Indigenous Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity Training which touched on personal experiences with the residential school system and the history of Indigenous people in Canada through both a historical and contemporary framework. Each group was also treated to a live performance and keynote from DWF Artist Ambassador, Tom Wilson, whose artwork is featured in the BPAC Legacy Space. “It was an amazing day working with DWF, learning how to participate in the conversation and actions around reconciliation,” said Isabelle Trask, Education & Outreach Coordinator at BPAC. “A special thank you to DWF for creating a platform in which these important conversations can be brought to light through community engagement, action, and allyship.”
St. Lawrence College is in the process of planning a launch event for the first of three Legacy Spaces to coincide with the new school year this fall. “We are thrilled to have St. Lawrence College join the Legacy Spaces program with three Spaces – one in each of their campuses in Brockville, Cornwall, and Kingston,” said Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Not only is this exciting because these campuses are also part of the Legacy Schools program, but their space in Kingston will be the very first in Gord’s hometown of Kingston, Ontario!”
The Peterborough Public Library is proud to announce the launch of their Legacy Space on May 27. This event is open to the public and will feature appearances by Sarah Lewis, former poet Laureate of Peterborough, and Artist Ambassador, Drew Hayden Taylor. Join us on Saturday, May 27 from 11 am to 1 pm to enjoy light refreshments and celebrate the first Legacy Space ever created inside a community library at 345 Aylmer St. North, Peterborough, ON!
| LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGACY SPACES |
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
Phone: 1-844-944-4545
E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
Address:
PO BOX 749
OHSWEKEN, ON
N0A1M0
June is National Indigenous History Month 